Airbag & SRS Diagnostics
The SRS light, short for supplemental restraint system, tells you that the computer found a fault in the airbags, seatbelt pretensioners or related sensors. When it is on, the system may be switched off, so it may not protect you in a crash. Diagnosis is a job for care, not guesswork.
From AED 199Written quote after diagnosis, before work startsConvenience fee applicable · shown on your written quote
- 1 to 3 hours for diagnosis
- Pickup and delivery from your door
- Convenience fee applicable · shown on your written quote
- Diagnosis free with repair
Signs you need airbag & srs diagnostics
- An airbag or seat-belt symbol on the dash that stays lit
- The passenger airbag-off indicator showing when someone is seated
- The light that came on after a seat was moved, cleaned or removed
- A warning after a minor impact, a pothole, or a battery replacement
- An intermittent light that appears on bumps
What usually causes it
Seat connector disturbed
Under the front seats there is a yellow connector for the side airbag and seat-belt sensor. Moving the seat or putting objects under it can loosen the connection and set a fault.
Clock spring wear
The ribbon inside the steering column connects the driver airbag. Wear causes intermittent faults and often takes the horn and steering switches with it.
Occupant sensor fault
The mat that detects who is seated can fail, for example when liquid is spilled, leaving the passenger airbag disabled.
Crash data or previous impact
After a collision, the module records a crash event and may stay locked until the damaged parts are replaced and the memory is reset in the proper way.
How we do airbag & srs diagnostics
- 1
Disconnect the battery safely
Before any work near the airbag circuits, we follow the maker's waiting time and procedure. We never probe airbag connectors with ordinary test equipment.
- 2
Read the SRS module
Codes show the circuit with the fault: driver, passenger, side, curtain, belt pretensioner or sensor. Any crash record is read as well.
- 3
Inspect the identified circuit
We look at the connector, wiring and component named in the code, and compare resistance only with approved methods.
- 4
Repair, clear and confirm
Once repaired, the fault is cleared and the lamp must go out and stay out. Where crash data was stored, we explain whether the module needs replacing or resetting.
In Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman
Used cars in the UAE market sometimes arrive with accident history, and an airbag light can be the first sign that something has been disturbed or the module was reset. If you are buying, ask us to read the SRS module. If an airbag has been deployed, replacing the parts and not just turning off the light is the only safe repair, and we say so on the quote. Do not cover the light or ignore it.
Questions about airbag & srs diagnostics
Will the airbags work with the light on?
You should assume they may not. The light means the system found a fault that could prevent deployment.
Can you just reset the light?
Not if the cause is still there. We only clear it after repair, and we will never recommend disabling the system to keep a light off.
Is it expensive to fix?
Many causes, like a connector under a seat, are inexpensive. Parts for a deployed bag cost more, and the quote lists every option.
Does the airbag light affect the RTA test?
It can. A warning light on the dash is typically checked, so repair it before the test.
Is it safe to have the seats out while the light is on?
Removing seats disconnects the sensors and sets the light. Please do not do this yourself. We follow the correct procedure and reconnect and test everything.
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